Tag Archives: action packed rookies 1991

NFL

Vaughn, Jon

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Sky Box 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, 1994, Patriots Blitz

Dimunitive slasher back Jon Vaughn (5’9″, 203) was a speedy track Michigan Wolverine product, who declared as a junior and was drafted in the 5th round by the New England Patriots. Vaughn was perhaps most dangerous in the capacity as a kick returner where he had 4 touchdowns in 103 returns.  His rookie season Jon would return 34 kicks for 717 yards and a 99 yard touchdown. He’d follow up this with an impressive 1992, with 451 yards rushing and 20 kick returns for 564 yards and a 100 yard return for a touchdown. Jon’s 28.2 yard per return average would lead the NFL.

In 1993, Vaughn would find himself traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where again he’d find himself in the same role, playing there through 1994. In 1994 he’d return 33 kicks for 829 yards and 2 touchdowns, virtually splitting his time with the Seahawks and Chiefs averaging 25.1 yards per return. He’d be released during training camp in 1995 and retire.

Two of my favorite card sets side by side: Action Packed Rookies 1991 and SkyBox 1992. SkyBox with the giant name behind the player who bursts off the background and Action Packed with its red and gold and minimal design really make it happen. Jon Vaughn’s signature is interesting as I think it’s one of few where the player has changed the “#” to a “$”.

G/Gs  60/9     Rush  207          Yds 846            Avg 4.1           Td 4          lg 37   |
Rec 23       Yds  178             Avg  7.7          Td 1            lg 32   |
Kr  103        Yds  2390            Avg 23.2            Td   4       lg 100t

CFL, NFL, WLAF, XFL

Moore, Shawn

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Score 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Birmingham Fire
Failure: TTM 2010, C/o The University of Virginia

After the Birmingham Fire lost to the San Antonio Riders that humid night I tromped onto the field and got Shawn’s autograph on his Action Packed Rookies and Score 1991 card. You could see on his face the frustration of being buried on the depth chart and the relative annoyance he felt about being there, but he still managed to sign these two cards for me.

In the early 90’s, Dan Reeves decided that he was going to pull rank and find the heir apparent to John Elway after tensions boiled to the surface between the two seasoned professionals. Dan drafted not one, but two quarterbacks in the 1991 draft. Highly regarded Tommy Maddox from UCLA and Shawn Moore from Virginia. Shawn had finished 1st in passing efficiency in the nation and broke most passing records for the Cavaliers in 1990. Moore would be drafted in the 11th round of the draft and back up both Maddox and Elway.

The Broncos would loan Moore to the Birmingham Fire for the 1992 season where he was expected to compete for the starting job, however he never saw any time off the bench sitting behind Mike Norseth. Shawn returned to the NFL for the 1992 season throwing for 232 yards and 3 picks in injury relief for John Elway. Afterwards he’d return to the bench of the Broncos, where he’d stay through 1993. In 1994, Shawn signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but saw no playing time. He’d then head North to Canada for the 1995 season, splitting time with the Blue Bombers and Stampeders before retiring from professional football.

Since then Moore has spent time in administration working as a national scout for the XFL and an enforcement representative for the NCAA. Currently he’s the wide receivers coach for his alma mater, The University of Virginia.  I sent two cards out to Moore last year, hoping to get his autograph on two final cards but at this point am still waiting hopefully for a response.

NFL

Dumas, Mike

Cards: ProSet 1991, Action Packed Rookies 1991
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The Houston Oilers

Michael Dumas-was a special teams maven for the Indiana Hoosiers blocking an impressive 9 punts over his college career. He made the transistion from cornerback to free safety but was a bit undersized at 5-11 and 178. The Oilers liked to draft by the dozen, and the 1991 draft was loaded with defensive talent especially at defensive back. The Oilers would draft, Mike Dumas, Darryl Lewis, and Steve Jackson to get younger at the position. They’d take Dumas off the board first at the top of the 2nd round hoping that his big play potential and hitting would ignite the Oilers’ secondary. (Dumas initially didn’t believe that he was going to be in the NFL. He wanted to get his sports degree and be an agent.) He’d be with the Oilers for two seasons and then Buffalo in 1994 as a backup. In 1995, he’d start 8 games for the Jaguars, before finally finding a home with the Chargers in 1996 where he’d play through 2000. Dumas would sign in 2001 with the Bears, but a lingering ankle injury would end his career.

Michael Dumas still longs to play the game, but the long lasting effects of his injuries have slowed him down immensely. He spent some time coaching defensive backs for the Dolphins at one point and currently lives in Sunrise, Fl.

G/Gs 102/52   Tac 292   Sac 5  Fum 9  Int 7  Yds 167   Avg 18.6    Td 1   Lg 68